Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh graduated from Mysore Medical College in 1978 with an excellent academic record of accomplishment and was commissioned in Army Medical Corps in 1979. He acquired his MS (ENT) from Mumbai University in 1986 and is an celebrated ENT Surgeon. He has undergone training in Cochlear Implantation and Neurotology in India and overseas. He has contributed significantly in the field of Medical Education, having trained generations of undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, and having had the unique distinction of holding, over the years, all the academic positions in AFMC, from Reader to Dean. He was also a founder faculty of the Department of Medical Education Technology at AFMC. He served the Armed Forces for 38 years, during which, besides academic appointments, he has also held very important administrative appointments, and is credited with many laurels. Dr Venkatesh has been an assessor of MCI and NBE and has also been on various committees of MCI, NBE, ICMR and MOH & FW. He is an assessor of NAAC as well. He is an adviser to DRDO on indigenous cochlear implant development programme and Chief clinical coordinator for the clinical trials of indigenous Cochlear Implant development programme approved by DCGI.

Dr. Venkatesh has been keen researcher and has published extensively and contributed chapters in book in the field of otolaryngology and Medical Education. He has been an examiner and a postgraduate teacher on Otorhinolaryngology in various prestigious Medical colleges and universities across India. He is a quintessential speaker and skillful resource person in the field of Otorhinolaryngology and Medical Education Technology. He has been the Governor in the Board of Governors for Indian Academy of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. He is a member of Medical Advisory Council for newly commissioned – National Medical Commission. He is a member of General Assembly of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Govt of India.

He is a recipient of numerous honour and awards including the prestigious VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL by President of India. After serving Armed Forces Medical Services for 38 year, and prior to assuming, the Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education he was the Vice Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University and successfully completed his three-year term. He displayed inspiring leadership qualities and team building skills during his tenure as Vice Chancellor. Under his leadership, SMU achieved the recognition as a leading Private University in the country. Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh presently appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).